Kramer vs. Kramer

Play trailer

1:32

Kramer vs. Kramer

PG

Released Dec 19, 1979

1h 44m

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

90%

Tomatometer

101 Reviews

89%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

On the same day Manhattan advertising executive Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) lands the biggest account of his career, he learns that his wife, Joanna (Meryl Streep), is leaving him and their young son, Billy (Justin Henry). Forced to raise his son alone, Ted loses his job but gains a stronger relationship with the child with the help of another single parent, Margaret (Jane Alexander). When Joanna returns to claim custody of Billy, the ensuing court battle takes a toll on everyone concerned.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

Critics Consensus

The divorce subject isn't as shocking, but the film is still a thoughtful, well-acted drama that resists the urge to take sides or give easy answers.

Read Critics Reviews

Michael Blowen

Boston Globe

Hoffman, Streep and Henry persuade you that they are "real" people in a "real" situation, and that is a rare phenomenon in contemporary movies.

Aug 5, 2022

Full Review

Michael Maza

Arizona Republic

In concept, in casting, but especially in execution, it is easily the year's most successful motion picture and probably one of the decade's. In assessing credit one hardly knows where to begin.

Aug 5, 2022

Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

Kramer vs. Kramer never loses its low-key, realistic touch. You will sit at the end of the film wondering why we don't see more pictures like this.

Rated: 4/4

Aug 5, 2022

Full Review

Nick Rogers

Midwest Film Journal

The film remains a masterclass in marital (and masculine) anxiety, with precisely observed details across the board.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 22, 2024

Full Review

Mark Johnson

Awards Daily

Meryl Streep and Dustin Hoffman are extraordinary in this timely tale of marital divorce and the problematic battles of child custody.

Jun 27, 2023

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a solid drama that benefits substantially from the top-tier efforts of its various performers...

Rated: 3.5/4

Jan 22, 2023

Full Review

Read all reviews

J C

This movie really packs a punch. The writing and acting are flawless. Even the kid in the movie is incredible. I usually can't stand child actors but somehow this kid was on top of it. There are so many takeaways and messages that are subtly delivered. I can see why this movie has endured as a classic.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/18/24

Full Review

Christian K

A very genuine and grounded look at a hard situation for all involved, it feels real but doesn't get there in the end for me on impact and entertainment.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/12/24

Full Review

David H

I like a film which keeps me engaged, a film in which I become invested in the characters. This was such a film. I was never bored, and I felt a genuine sympathy for all the characters. Even the lawyers who, after all, were just doing the job they had been paid to do. I also enjoyed the New York scenes from the late 1970s.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/08/24

Full Review

Gertrude F

Wonderful film. It's simple and it's construction is well composed and cleverly designed. The actors were brilliant- of course. It is a feel good film, but beyond that, it touches on greater issues and thrives on the complexity of it's characters. Also, that child actor is great.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/01/24

Full Review

Dave C

I love ‘early Hoffman', and he is great in this, but the movie isn't the tour de force it yearns to be. It's a nice enough story, but it lacks the emotional connection to the drama being told

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/29/24

Full Review

matthias s

"Kramer vs. Kramer" is a heartfelt rollercoaster of emotions that strikes a chord with anyone who's experienced the complexities of divorce. The father-son chemistry between Dustin Hoffman and young Justin Henry is nothing short of magic. As the child of divorced parents, this film resonated deeply with me, and it beautifully portrays the struggles, sacrifices, and ultimate redemption that can emerge from such a situation. The acting in this movie is a tour de force. Dustin Hoffman's transformation from a workaholic to a devoted father is a masterclass in acting, while Meryl Streep's performance as his estranged wife is equally powerful. Their emotional turmoil feels genuinely palpable. The plot and screenplay are crafted with finesse, keeping you engaged from start to finish. It's a bittersweet exploration of love, parenting, and personal growth. "Kramer vs. Kramer" is a timeless classic that reminds us that even in the toughest of battles, the power of love can mend the deepest wounds. It's a must-see for its powerful storytelling and exceptional performances.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/16/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Robert Benton

Director

Dustin Hoffman

Ted Kramer

Meryl Streep

Joanna Kramer

Justin Henry

Billy Kramer

Jane Alexander

Margaret Phelps

Howard Duff

John Shaunessy

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

Kramer vs. Kramer: Official Clip - Change of Heart

2:13

Kramer vs. Kramer: Official Clip - Were You A Failure?

2:02

Kramer vs. Kramer: Official Clip - Ted's Plea

2:11

Kramer vs. Kramer: Official Clip - Billy Acts Out

2:09

Kramer vs. Kramer: Official Clip - I Want My Son

2:09

Kramer vs. Kramer: Official Clip - I'm His Mother

2:02

Kramer vs. Kramer: Official Clip - Making French Toast

2:10

Kramer vs. Kramer: Official Clip - I'm Leaving You

2:12

View more videos

Model Shop

83%

46%

Model Shop

Watchlist

Ice Castles

44%

68%

Ice Castles

Watchlist

The Karate Kid

90%

83%

The Karate Kid

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Karate Kid

The Swimmer

100%

82%

The Swimmer

Watchlist

The Karate Kid Part II

47%

52%

The Karate Kid Part II

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Karate Kid Part II

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Taylor Sheridan’s Five Favorite Films

Meryl Streep’s 10 Best Movies

Now Streaming: Master of None, Midnight in Paris, Air Force One, And More

Kramer vs. Kramer: Trailer 1

1:32

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

On the same day Manhattan advertising executive Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) lands the biggest account of his career, he learns that his wife, Joanna (Meryl Streep), is leaving him and their young son, Billy (Justin Henry). Forced to raise his son alone, Ted loses his job but gains a stronger relationship with the child with the help of another single parent, Margaret (Jane Alexander). When Joanna returns to claim custody of Billy, the ensuing court battle takes a toll on everyone concerned.

Director: Robert Benton
Producer: Stanley R. Jaffe
Screenwriter: Avery Corman, Robert Benton
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 19, 1979, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Runtime: 1h 44m
Sound Mix: Mono

Most Popular at Home Now